Texas Instruments UC2950T

Overview

UC2950T from Texas Instruments is a monolithic half-bridge bipolar switch IC designed for high-current, logic-level-controlled switching in motor drive and power conversion circuits. It delivers ±2.0A continuous output current, supports 8V–35V supply voltage, features independent source/sink outputs with built-in interlock, and operates up to 300kHz - enabling chopper-controlled bipolar stepper or DC motor drivers.

For engineers reviewing the UC2950T datasheet, UC2950T pinout, UC2950T application, or UC2950T equivalent, key selection criteria include its TTL/CMOS-compatible dual-input control, thermal shutdown protection, integrated flyback diodes, tri-state operation, and TO-220 package suitability for heatsink-mounted industrial power stages.

Technical Context

The UC2950T integrates complementary source and sink switches with hardware-enforced interlock logic to prevent cross-conduction during simultaneous input activation. Its internal high-current diodes support fast recovery for inductive loads, and the device is rated for ±4.0A peak (100ms, 10% duty) with 2W free-air and 15W heatsink-limited power dissipation.

Switching performance is characterized at VC = 12V, RL = 5Ω, TA = 25°C: source turn-on delay is 300–500 ns, sink turn-off delay is 100–300 ns, and cross-conduction spike duration is limited to 0.6–1.0 µs - supporting precise timing in high-frequency PWM-driven H-bridge configurations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

UC2950T uses a 5-pin TO-220 (KC) package with tab-connected VC (pin 3), requiring mechanical mounting to a heatsink for thermal compliance. Pin 1 is optional identification marker; pin 5 is sink drive; pin 2 is source drive; pin 4 is common output; pin 3 is supply voltage (VC).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar half-bridge switching applications.

Compared with LMD18200T and DRV8876N, the UC2950T offers optimal balance of simplicity, thermal robustness in TO-220, and tri-state flexibility - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, medium-power industrial switching where minimal external components and proven reliability are priorities.

Availability

UC2950T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, PLC output modules, and automated equipment requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for UC2950T includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management technologies, with decades of experience in industrial-grade power IC design.

The UC2950T belongs to TI's legacy high-current driver product line, engineered specifically for ruggedized, heatsink-mountable half-bridge switching in factory automation, motion control, and power conversion systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature for the UC2950T?

The UC2950T has an operating temperature range of –20°C to +100°C ambient (TA). Its thermal shutdown activates before junction temperature exceeds safe limits, and proper heatsinking is required to sustain ±2.0A continuous current within this range. The UC2950T datasheet specifies 15W power dissipation with heatsink and 2W in free air - guiding thermal design for each application environment.

Does the UC2950T require external flyback diodes for inductive loads?

No, the UC2950T includes integrated high-current flyback diodes for both source and sink paths, with forward voltage specified at 1.4–2.0V at –2.0A (sink) and 2.0A (source). These diodes eliminate the need for external clamp diodes in most solenoid, relay, and motor winding applications - reducing BOM count and PCB area while ensuring consistent recovery behavior.

Can two UC2950T devices be used to build a full H-bridge?

Yes, two UC2950T devices can be configured as a full bipolar H-bridge: one controls the high-side switches (sources), the other the low-side switches (sinks), with coordinated input logic to prevent shoot-through. The UC2950T's tri-state capability and interlock logic simplify synchronization, and its 300kHz switching supports high-resolution chopper current control in stepper motor drivers.

What is the purpose of the interlock feature in the UC2950T?

The UC2950T's hardware interlock prevents simultaneous activation of source and sink drivers - eliminating shoot-through current that could destroy the IC or load. When both inputs are high, the sink is automatically disabled, ensuring only one switch conducts at a time. This protects against logic errors, EMI-induced glitches, or timing mismatches in microcontroller firmware - enhancing system robustness without external dead-time circuitry.

Is the UC2950T pin-compatible with newer TI motor drivers like the DRV8876?

No, the UC2950T is not pin-compatible with the DRV8876 series. The UC2950T uses a 5-pin TO-220 (KC) package with VC on pin 3 and output on pin 4, whereas the DRV8876N uses a 28-pin HTSSOP package with entirely different pinout, power sequencing, and interface requirements (SPI vs. TTL/CMOS). Migration requires PCB redesign and firmware adaptation - the UC2950T remains optimal for legacy TO-220-based industrial designs.